PS 3503 1 


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1905 




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BETHEL- EL- BETHEL 

A New Old Story 



...BY... 

MATTIE SANFORD BULL 



EASTERN PUBLISHING COMPANY 
BOSTON 



f^AR 7 lyUb 

COPY tS. 



COPYRIGHTED 1905 

BY MATTIE SANFORD BULL 



i 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL 



INTRODUCTION. 

The historical characters with which our 
theme is woven are familiar to all. 

This little book attempts to find in a section 
of Biblical history the desires, deeds, and sins 
of the human heart of to-day; and by voicing 
Bible characters, it aims to express through 
them, the wants, longings, conflicts, and tri- 
umphs of the soul in all ages. 

Free use is made of Bible language, imagery, 
and poetry. Who knows but that the Psalms 
as well as the book of Job, ring with the echo 
of a yet more distant inspired literature that 
existed before Abraham was? 

David seems to have compassed the breadth 
of man, in his struggles, temptations, sins, and 
bitterness; his reachings out after God; his 
growth in holiness and his repose of faith. Yet 
these experiences are just as true of our every 
day life as ot his, when he cried "Out of the 
depths" or from sunlit peak of nearness and 
blessedness he caught glimpses of the king in 
his beauty, and although these experiences had 
crystalized into heart history, and were true to 



character centuries ago, yet are they not as true 
and applicable to us as though the ink were 
scarcely dry from recent dictation? 

The record of that peculiar people, the Jews, 
is likewise a type of individual experience; for 
we find our own relations to God and His deal- 
ings with us, of the same warp and woof as 
their national history, and that all have drunk 
of the bitter waters of Marah, or 

Like Moses in moments supreme, 
On Pisgah's high summit we stand, 

Where wonderfully sweet as a dream 
Lies Canaan's delectable land. 

Hot deserts and mountain aflame 
Lie behind on the long, weary road — 

A mountain that quaked with His name, 
Though lit with the presence of God. 

Asunder the billows were riven 
Of seas of tempest and might; 

Though pressed in the rear and sore driven, 
The pathway of safety gleamed bright. 

Our altars of prayer and of praise 
Lay 'neath skies all purple and red; 

While passing through moorland and maze 
On^manna we richly were fed. 



Though the journey for us is near o'er 
We strong and exultingly stand 

Beholding the landscape before 
All sunlit, entrancing and grand. 

Yet near to this glorious clime, 
Of delicate shadow and sheen- 

And varied prospect sublime — 
Rolls darkly a Jordan between. 

Oh spirits of sweetness and strength 
That to our best moments belong, 

Our wanderings guide, till at length, 
We pass through the river with song. 

If amid the smoking mountains, or in paths 
marked with prints of weary feet through life's 
wilderness, or in the quiet repose of green pas- 
tures beside the still waters, in his onward 
march to his Canaan of rest, the reader should 
find herein portrayed his own experience and 
be comforted and helped thereby, the object 
of this little book will be fully attained; the 
fulfillment of its highest dreams reaUzed. 

The Author. 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Roll back the mighty scroll of ages from its 

trust 
And view a scene long slumb'ring in the dust. 

******** 
On Sheba's plain 'twas twilight's sacred hour 
And cooling dews refresh the fragrant flow'r, 
In dimpled dale the sun'no longer gleamed, 
While through the west a burning glory 

streamed 
Full, sweet and low, the ever murmuring breeze 
In tender cadence hummed and rocked the 

trees; 
As rolling billows hush'd afar their roar, 
Brake gilded ripples on the amber shore. 
Yet gold and ruby hues resplendent glowed 
On billowy-bosomed feathery cloud, 
As slender sun-fiame-lances smote still high'r 
The snowy mountain crests shone tipped with 

fire. 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Thus while the rosy train of day 

Was gliding from the hills away, 

And evening's star on ether's brim 

Rose o'er the edge of night's gray rim, 

A youth came joyfully along 

With bounding step and whistling song, 

While hope's high gleam lit his glad eye 

That brighter shone as he drew nigh, 

And showed his mien possessed the grace 

Of dignity in form and face. 

A fawn he on his shoulders bore 

That crimson blotched his sandals o'er, 

While on his brow the beaded sweat 

Lay underneath warm rings of jet. 

His dusky turban back he drew. 

And strong his visage beamed anew, 

As he in sunny dreamland strayed 

And there, with raptured thought surveyed 

Wide wealthy fields of yielding plumes, 

And fragrant golden lily blooms. 

High in the azure arch o'erhead 

Youth's bow of promise hung outspread. 

While groves beneath, whose blooms ne'er 

cease 
Were mirrored back in lakes of peace. 
With springing step he passed on o'er 
The threshold of his curtained door, 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

And quickly cooked, the fawn he spread 
Beside an' ancient kingly bed, 
And gently woke the sleeper there 
With kindly words of filial care. 
"Thy sav'ry meat my father dear 
Is waiting for thee, fragrant here, 
Arise, and set upon my brow. 
Thy seal of sovereignty and vow." 
Quickly his father roused from rest 
With heave and tremble in his breast. 
"And who art thou?" in fear he cried. 
"Esau I am" the youth replied. 
"Then why hast thou returned once more 
For blessing? why should I bless thee o'er?" 
His father spake, and sat upright 
With anxious face all scarred and white. 
"I, from the chase with footsteps fleet. 
Have come with dew-bespangled feet," 
Spake Esau. "And thou dreamest now." 
"Nay," saith the father "one did bow 
Before me, and thy rights have gone. 
Thy brother must have brought the fawn 
That me deceived — though blind — I see — 
He hither came in place of thee. 
Ah, woe is me, — ah, woe ray son, 
How art thou wronged — alas! undone 
Could robber ever be more base, 



BE TH EL-EL- BE THEL. 

In plucking gold from hiding place, 
Than he who donned thy robe of hair 
To me deceive, though he spake fair? 
And then for thee I him mistook 
And of his sav'ry meat partook, 
With corn I blest him and with kine, 
With purple treasures of the vine; 
With dews to bear refreshment sweet ; 
And nations bowing at his feet. 
Some unseen power hath me possessed 
That will forever keep him blest." 
Then Esau groaned and cried aloud, 
"How is my joyous spirit bowed; 
Bless me, my father even me, 
Nor steadfast hold that stern decree. 
Thy statutes all I well have kept." 
And strong he raised his voice and wept. 
Firmly his father with command 
Said, "Thine the fatness of the land. 
Thy wine shall sparkle of the dew 
That shineth sharp each morn anew. 
But long as both of ye shall Hve, 
Thou shalt thy brother homage give, 
Unless the burden of his yoke 
Asunder from thy neck be broke." 
Thus Esau's fondest hopes were riven 
As by a thunderbolt from heaven. 



BE TH EL-EL-BE THEL. 

Of kingly: powers he was bereft 
Nor had he e'en his birthright left. 
Gladness from him had taken wing 
As though it were a Hving thing. 
One melting moment hke soft rain 
Fell memories on his startled brain. 
A bosom partner in each joy 
Was he, his twin, a bhthesome boy ; 
A sweeter gift his hfe ne'er held 
Nor gladder thing his eyes beheld; 
So fond and fresh was his embrace — 
Yet now his seemed a demon's face. 
And in this moment dread he woke 
All stunned and writhing from the stroke. 
His lowering brow grew flushed with ire 
Like clouds of gloom that flash with fire; 
And as a storm portentous roars 
When raging on far distant shores 
Thus he arose in angered mode 
And outward in the night he strode. 
As pealeth thunder from a cloud 
With curses hoarse he cried aloud 
"Thou fiend incarnate will I dare, 
Thy carcass soon shall rot in air 
Beneath the bleaching sun and rain, 
By vultures gashed upon the plain. 
Ne'er will I bend before thine eye 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Thou villain — viper — thou shalt die'^ 
When Jacob heard that awful cry, 
With limbs ashake and glistening eye, 
He left the shelter of his home 
Alone into the world to roam. 
In terror was his flight — haste driven — 
Without a hope of earth or heaven. 
As on he sped in bitterness 
Most dreadful grew his wretchedness. 
Then God beheld him from above 
With looks of pity and of love, 
And sent a guide of holy mien 
To wander by his side unseen, 
Who woke the forces of his soul 
With retribution's thunder roll, 
And broke a struggling light therein 
That showed the awfulness of sin. 
While hard his crime the deeper pressed 
And tempests raged within his breast. 
He fled on far, he fled on fast, 
Like driven clouds before a blast. 
Despairing, spent, heart-sick and sore 
At last when he could bear no more 
He fell 'neath his remorseful load, 
Beside a dreary, lonesome road, 
Exhausted, faint, and all distressed. 
The sun had sunk far down the west, 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Yet threw his unseen glory nigh 

In silent grandeur on the sky, 

And pillared it with amber flame 

Till rose and gray the scene became. 

While warming winds enriched the gloom 

Of fragrant blossoms half in bloom, 

They touched his brow with kisses sweet, 

And cooled away its fever heat ; 

Then softly eve lulled low refrains 

Invoking sleep in drowsy strains, 

As stars sent through the far-oiY blue 

Their golden fires of brilliant hue ; 

While gazing on their beauty rare 

His melted soul went out in prayer 

Till he in slumber sank alone 

His head hard pillowed on a stone. 

An upward ladder broad and bright 

He saw upstretching through the night. 

Where angels on each fiery round 

Were stepping swiftly toward the ground, 

Their flashing wings half closed behind 

And fair hair rippling on the wind. 

Each was enrobed in dazzling white 

And crowned with stars of living light. 

Upon the ladder's farther side 

Angels were rising like a tide; 

While these were moving downward there 



BE TH EL-EL-BE THEL. 

The others mount the golden stair. 

Then mighty angels came in flight 

That soared and sang in strong delight, 

As sweeping under and around 

Their wings like thunder shook the ground. 

When glory smote him in the face, 
He saw in all that holy place 
No trace of sin or sinful care, 
He was the only sinner there. 
Discordant forces warred within, 
Which is the very hell of sin. 
No tongue the contrast can repeat 
When purity and baseness meet. 
Then one that bore a Godly face 
Stooped to him in that lonely place. 
And touched his fixed and frightened eyes, 
When he in awe and great surprise 
Beheld the ladder, from the ground 
Reach into heaven its topmost round. 
A something gauzy-vapor white 
Swathed him around in halo light — 
An awful presence brooded near 
That filled the very air with fear. 
Like mountains weighed his load of sin, 
And scarlet was his soul within. 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"My soul's defiled and all unclean" 

He saith: "Basely did I demean 

Myself, most gnawing is the sin 

That like an ulcer eats within. 

My father's God to Thee I cry, 

Oh harken from Thy throne on high, 

And take away my wretched load 

Of deadly sins that gnaw and goad. 

Of stones whereon I laid my head 

Upon this blest yet dreadful bed, 

An altar I will build to Thee, 

That of my faith a sign shall be; 

And Bethel I will call the spot 

For Thou art here, I knew it not. 

Yea, I will serve no other God 

If Thou wilt spare Thy chastening rod." 

Each angel smote his throbbing lyre 

With fervent sweep of holy fire, 

As swelling surges break in song 

God's thrilling voice came sweet and strong 

And clearly spake, "I've heard thy cry. 

Repenting souls I justify, 

Although thy sins all scarlet glow 

I'll cleanse them even white as snow — 

Yea, though they tower as mountains may 

Yet I'll remove them far away; 

And of thy tears for sin begot 



hETH EL-EL-BETH EL. 

Shall jewels for thy crown be wrought. 
Although thy soul be sore oppressed 
In thee shall all the earth be blest. 
For I w'ill give this place to thee 
In which to walk and talk with me, 
And as the sand on ocean shore 
Thy seed shall be forever more." 

The nether clouds stained deep in night 
Grew flushed with waves of yellow Hght, 
And through their mellow lustre shone 
Refulgent beams from off the throne. 
Vast troops of angels then up went 
And lowly in obeisance bent, 
While downward drifts the firmament 
Till it with all the earth hath blent, 
And through its rifted floor he stood 
Within the very home of God. 
Half blinded by the glory grand 
That round him bursts on every hand, 
He treads the winding golden streets 
That his enraptured vision meets, 
Until they lead to gates of pearl 
O'erarched with gems that flash and whirl 
And blaze upon the balmy air, 
Or seem to melt in azure fair. 
On verdant banks afar he sees 



10 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Life's precious nectar-bearing trees, 
Whose ladfen bough, down leaning low 
Soft kiss a river's crystal flow, 
With healing leaves that gently dip 
To meet the wavelet's yielding lip, 
As on it rolls with ripples rife 
Borne by the mighty stream of life. 
Great domes reflect — and gilded spire 
On seas of molten glass and fire. 
Where mansions white as driven snow 
Are mirrored back in shining row. 

Mid temples grand and halls more fair 

Than poets build of roseate air, 

A fountain's jet high reels and whirls, 

And raineth drops that roll like pearls. 

While rainbow sprays toss plumes of dew. 

The zephyrs throb to rhythm and hue. 

Beaded with clearest golden trills, 

Harmonious music fills and thrills 

The being, as with reaches long 

The cherub voices swell in song. 

Far as the eye could thither rove. 

Vast rustling ranks of angels move 

Like waters rushing in accord — 

They clap their wings and praise the Lord. 



II 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Then all the vision fled from sight 

That gave his soul such strong delight; 

But ere he'd caught this ghmpse of heaven 

A wondrous peace to him was given. 

All sting of sin had been withdrawn — 

Fear was allayed — his burden gone. 

His sinful conscience scarlet red 

Was cleansed snow white — made pure instead, 

His very pillow of rough stone 

Had even kind and restful grown — 

With Nature's higher law was he 

In perfect tuneful harmony. 

When he arose, one glimmering spark — 
One pike of gold that rends the dark 
Was piercing through the ether blue, 
And all the air was silver hue. 
"How blest and dreadful is this place; 
The Lord is here," he saith, "I trace 
Sure guidings of His hand divine. 
In gratitude I'll raise a shrine 
And name it for the vision given, 
A house of God and gate of heaven." 

He took the stones on which he lay, 
Ancient, and mossy, round and gray, 
Of them a sacred altar built 



13 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

And from his flagon then he spilt 
Pure oUve oil; that did suffice 
For sin's atoning sacrifice. 

Now Bethel stands upon the road 
To show where Jacob talked with God; 
And others on this toilsome way 
From blush of mom till twiUght gray, 
Have seen this altar builded near 
And knew a soul had worshiped here, 
And rev'rent on this holy spot, 
Talked they to God in time forgot. 



Jacob had long at Haran dwelt 
And time had with him kindly dealt. 
Learning, and goods, and gold had he, 
And bore his honors gracefully. 
To do his bidding servants wait 
ObUging and considerate. 
He'd herds of sheep and camels fine. 
Asses and goats and droves of kine. 
And worthy sons — a loving wife — 
Forsooth his was a prosp'rous hfe, 
Yet sorely he home yearnings felt. 
One pensive eve, in prayer he knelt, 
When silv'ry voices calling far 



13 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Came floating from a shining star, 
And wafting downward to him spake, 
In golden words their music brake. 
"Return thee to thy father's home" 
They said, "nor longer needless roam; 
Hence with thee take thine earthly store, 
And right all wrongs thou didst of yore, 
Near will my presence o'er thee brood 
P'or I'll go with, and do thee good." 
And that to which thou dost aspire 
I'll give thy heart its best desire 
And lead thee onward as thou go'st." 
Then he beheld the heavenly host 
That beckoned him to come away 
Nor longer loiter or delay. 
In manhood's prime with manly face 
Well had he borne a princely grace; 
With smouldering fire his eye burned keen, 
Manlier man was never seen. 

Fair morn with golden plowshire clove 

The dark, broke up the gloom, and drove 

The fog o'er rills that rippHng ran, 

When trustfully the march began. 

A goodly caravan, all were 

With beast and human life astir. 

He saith. "with staff and empty hands 



14 



BE TH EL-EL- BE THEL. 

I Jordan passed. Now in two bands 
As I retrace the pathway o'er, 
I homeward bear a God-lent store." 
From strongest man to tiny child 
With happy hearts their faces smiled, 
As on they moved a joyous throng. 
Their gladness broke in merry song. 
From days of march they camped to rest 
And feast, in festive raiment drest, 
When swift a courier passed the throng 
And saith to him, "Four hundred strong 
Thy brother comes to meet thee, low 
Before his fury thou shalt bow." 
A shudder ran through earth afar 
And shook the new-born evening star, 
And sorely smote his soul of care. 
And left the only recourse — prayer. 
In haste an altar crude he made, 
Whereon a slain lamb quick he laid, 
And while the wreaths began to glow. 
In burning words his heart found flow. 
"Oh stay Thy hand — Oh spare the rod — 
Let not Thine anger smoke. Oh God. 
My help" he saith, "is Thee alone 
By Thee bereft I am undone. 
While blasts of ruin threaten me 
All helpless hands I reach toward Thee. 



IS 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

No worth have I — no worthiness, 
In Thee is all my righteousness, 
And wholly I upon Thy power 
Rely in this appalling hour. 
Didst Thou not say I should return 
Nor longer needless hence sojourn ? 
What didst Thou say at Bethel there 
Before the angels on the stair? 
Didst Thou not promise me of yore 
'Thy seed like sand on ocean shore 
Shall be, and I will do thee good'? 
Though Esau comes to spill our blood, 
Curb Thou his wrath that ragcth wild 
That kindness hath from him beguiled, 
Oh, let the hand that's raised to slay, 
In mercy fall or blessing stay, 
Behold I have repentance wrought 
For every deed of sin or thought. 
I will my vows renew again — 
Thy help Divine implore — Amen." 

As one is shocked in May-day fair, 
'Mid blushing blooms that scent the ai' 
And breezes soft where leaflets wave 
In dancing blithe, he finds a grave, 
So he was stricken by the dread 
That bars the living from the dead. 



i6 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL 

Then came his trusty servants all 
In answer t6 his anguished call, 
"Courageous souls of faithful fame" 
He saith, "Take presents in my name 
And go before me through the land 
And drive all quickly band by band 
Of camels, asses, sheep, and kine, 
Assorted from the best of mine. 
And say, 'Thy brother sends to you 
Lord Esau, these, his heart is true, 
He meaneth good — his hand is kind- 
He Cometh shortly on behind 
To cast himself before thy feet, 
Mercy and pardon to entreat; 
He hath of thee forgiveness sought 
For all his deeds of sin, or plot; 
Large souls are e'er compassionate 
Rob not thyself of being great." 



Night's dewy mantle covers all. 
The wandering winds to quiet fall, 
And through the fragrant dusk and hush 
The glow had died of evening's blush. 
'Cross Leah's tent 'neath hangings rich, 
In twain, long crimson draperies stretch, 
Each curtain's silk and rustling fold 



17 



BE TH EL-EL-BE THEL . 

Was upward looped with fringe of gold. 
A lamp in alabaster urn, 
That spread a mild perfume did burn, 
And glowed on jeweled chalice rare 
With glinting gleam touched Leah's hair, 
And dimly lit her brow and lips 
And rounded arm to finger tips. 
No tassel swayed with waves of air 
As she slept on, serene and fair. 
In noble beauty there she lay, 
With snowy vesture turned away 
From marble throat to shrouded breast — 
So peaceful was her dreamless rest, 
That as her breathings fell and rose 
She seemed perfection in repose. 
When opening wide her lustrous eyes. 
With wonderment and mild surprise 
She saith aloud, "Why this delay? 
So late the hour, and he away? 
Then she arose and plead in prayer 
That God Who watches ever}'where, 
From Whom proceedeth only good 
Would fold them in His motherhood. 
"Beneath me are the mighty arms, 
That soothe and save, amid alarms, 
Secure in them," she saith, "I rest, 
And know I am forever blest. 



i8 



SETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

No care have I, Oh, Care Divine, 
My every burden, all is Thine. 
Beneath the wings that shelter me 
I trust the absent, Lord, with thee." 
Thus Lea watched till faint and gray 
Appeared the tints of dawning day. 



When darkness settled like a spell 
No cheering ray on Jacob fell 
The promise to him seemed forborne 
"Of thee a nation shall be born." 
Esau was coming in his path 
And God alone could stay his wrath. 
Darkly before him rose his past. 
With sin's effects still cleaving fast, 
While acts trooped by in close review 
Of sins revived and lived anew, 
When trusting one he had betrayed — 
He saw — he writhed — he grew afraid. 
False measures dealt by him, returned 
A bitter sorrow he had earned. 
While conscience probed his soul within, 
Keen was the awful force of sin. 
Though once his sins had been forgiven 
Yet now he's unprepared for heaven. 
For later sins had smirched his breast, 



19 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

That gave his soul a fierce unrest, 

In awe he looketh up and down 

Into a Great and Dark Unknown. 

In agony of soul he cries, 

' O come dear Lord, Oh, Lord arise 

And wash me from all stain of sin, 

And make me wholly pure within. 

Burn every root of base desire 

From my foul heart, — send living tire — " 

Thus all alone and far abroad 

He strove and agonized for God. 

While Nature paused with bated breath 

In silence deep and still as death. 

Could he unreconciled alone 

Go out to face the judgment throne 

With conscience, that stern witness dread, 

Touching to life the things once dead ? 

A mighty angel, bright and high 

Asunder rent the sable sky; 

Behind him blazing pathways streamed, 

Horses and tiery chariots gleamed, 

And fiery horsemen flashed in air. 

Awful and red as lightning's glare. 

Silent and quick did he appear 

From out th' unseen — unknown sphere. 

Nor did the mortal see him ghde 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

From th' unknown realm to time's divide, 
Until upoii his awe-struck sight 
The blinding vision seemed to smite 
The Presence's eyes were flashing flame 
His spotless robe a glow became 
Like glistening snow his white hair shone 
And rippled in the glare thereon. 
On sparkling chains of jewels rare 
The keys of heaven were anchored there, 
Which from his golden girdle fell. 
And swayed in movements as a bell. 
Like many waters in their sweep, 
That onward flow into the deep, 
Was His melodious voice to greet. 
Though flute-hke were its tones most sweet. 
A lustre that for brightness shone 
Out-splendoring both stars and sun, 
So shone the brightness of His face, 
And lightened all this holy place. 
Breathless, before the being low 
Did Jacob in obeisance bow. 
Though smitten by the awful glare 
On him laid hold, nor did forbear 
With strong desire — with courage grand 
He clutched him with a desperate hand, 
And long they fiercely wrestled there 
While Jacob plead in mighty prayer. 



ai 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

The Presence saith, "Let me be gone 
Darkness is brindling into dawn." 
"I will not let Thee go unless 
That Thou wilt me supremely bless, 
Yea, blessings both for mine and me 
Distilling on my soul from Thee." 
Thus Jacob spake, and when drawn nigh 
The Holy Being touched his thigh. 
"Though maimed I cannot wrestle more. 
Yet I'll the contest ne'er give o'er 
But cling" saith Jacob, "nor forbear" — 
Then thus the angel blest him there. 
"My canopy o'er thee I'll spread 
And blessings pour upon thy head. 
A nation strong of thee I'll make, 
"And thee a blessing," thus he spake. 
Thou art blest in basket and in store, 
Yea, blessings great forever more 
Shall crowd thy sun-lit path from me. 
And waft through starlight down to thee. 
All blessed be thy flock and field. 
And earth for thee shall fruitage yield. 
Thy fervent prayers hath thee availed, 
Thou man of might, thou hast prevailed; 
No more "supplanter" shalt thou be. 
Saintly the power thou hast with me. 
Thy soul I'll cleanse and stay the rod 



22 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

And of thee make a prince of God. 

Israel, men shall call the name 

Of thee who strove and overcame. 

In my pavilion's secret place 

I'll show thee marvels of my grace, 

And in its shelter thee I'll hide, 

Where safe from storms shalt thou abide. 

Beneath my wings thy refuge be 

Till thou shalt greater glory see. 

In me thy yearnings shall be stilled, 

For thy soul hunger shall be filled, 

And thou shalt in thy mortal clod 

Bear evermore the hfe of God. 

For I'll be with thee everywhere 

E'en to the end, will I be there. 

And when thy robe of flesh shall drop, 

Strong blessed hands shall bear thee up. 

Thou hast prevailed, and everywhere 

Men shall know there's power in prayer.''^ 

When he from out his transport wakes 
Down over all the morning breaks, 
Dawn's opal urn its lustre spills 
That runs o'er dark and hooded hills, 
E'en to the valley's vernal nook — 

Touching the wimpling water brook, 
And as it ever onward flows 



23 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

The air in living splendor glows. 
Spake Israel from his heart of praise 
"Most marv'lous are His works and ways. 
God's presence doth around me shine 
And wrap me in His robe divine, 
Nought know I more of earthly fear, 
He shieldeth me and gives me cheer. 
So potent is His mighty arm 
No venom'd foe can do me harm. 
Peniel will I call this place, 
Here have I seen God lace to face, 
Caught weight of blessing from His words 
Henceforth I'll wholly be the Lord's. 



The sun his upward path had clomb; 

Each jewel'd wheel that lit the dome 

Was in a steady blaze — each spoke 

In golden flame the ether broke. 

As clouds of dust will rise and wreathe 

A monarch's chariot wheels, beneath, 

So vapor clouds behind his car 

Rolled on, wliile thunder muttered far. 

'Neath plumy palms that formed a glade 

Whose drifting crowns cool shadows made, 

Esau is resting with his men 

Ere trumpets blow for march again. 



24 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"Not maijy leagues — not far away 

Will glow" he saith, "the fiery fray. 

My bound-up rage, and ire long pent 

Will then be given freest vent. 

Ye men of Mount Seir — strong from birth, 

Shall band and traitor wipe from earth. 

Nor mercy show to man or child, 

So high my smouldered wrath has piled, 

'Till like a mount that breaketh fire 

Will burst my smothered righteous ire. 

Sheep finer I have never seen 

Than hath that shepherd on the green 

Those chosen lambs that take the lead 

Are truly of a noble breed." 

The shepherd spake when he with grace. 

Seven times had bowed and paused a space. 

"Lord Esau, these thy brother sends 

And bade me say his love attends 

The gift, and asks that you forgive; 

Now higher motives in him live, 

He will requite thee as he should 

For wrong, and render only good. 

Of thee he hath for mercy sought 

For all his sins of deed or thought." 

His belt did Esau on him gird 

As though no other sound he heard. 

Herds of goats and camels fine. 



25 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Asses, and bulls of Bashan line, 
With drovers came, who bowing lower 
Spake as the other had before. 
Still Esau did not seem to hear 
Till in his hand he grasped his spear. 
"Confine these fellows on the brink 
Of yonder chasm; now I bethink — 
Let no man follow on my path 
Or dare to brook my burning wrath." 
Off like an angry stag in might 
He sped away, nor stayed his flight 
Until he reached a gloomy glen, 
'Mid riven rocks and grassy fen, 
And there beside a shaft he fell — 
A broken column in the dell, 
By war-gods rent, who fought and strove 
With gods of Thunder — sons of Jove. 
"He thinks to buy me with his pelf — 
That I'm no better than himself," 
He saith, "That I could be cajoled 
With sheep and asses bought and sold. 
Shall Esau thus be sold or bought ? 
Such yielding substance he is not. 
I'll cleave the traitor with a blow — " 
A still, small voice said sternly "NO" 
"I fear," he cried — "I greatly quake 
I know not if I am awake — 



26 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Did conscience speak unto my soul 

Or was it' but a thunder roll ? 

If conscience did my soul adjure 

I'll choke it ere my cause abjure; 

If this great store be only part — 

I'll take the whole with ready heart" 

He saith; "and father's wealth of gold 

That he'd possess by exploits bold, 

This crowning deed will make mine own; 

Mightier prince shall there be none." 

Loud honor cried to be redressed 

As firmly spake this unseen guest, 

"Oh sinful soul, so foul a thing 

Will rob thy rest — strong anguish bring." 

"I've had no rest this many a year 

Like Autumn's leaf my Hfe is sere, 

Revenge alone the hurt can heal. 

There's naught but gore can bring mc weal. 

The scorching lightnings of my wrath 

Shall check him in his onward path — 

'Tis many a summer since the day 

He crossed me on my prosp'rous way, 

The while I've hard and bitter grown 

Until my heart is turned to stone. 

He always seemed a trustful lad 

Nor can I think he e'er was bad, 

None would have look'd for deeds so base 



»7 



BETHEL EL-BETHEL. 

Had they but seen his comely face. 
Like dates all purpling in the sun 
We lived and loved and thrived as one. 
My faithful heart went warm to him, 
My full life bubbled to the brim 
With morning gladness, sweet the day 
When dew on all the branches lay, 
The pleasant air was full of balm, 
Ah, then I flourished like the palm. 
E'en hillocks seemed to skip hke lambs- 
The very hills like sportive rams. 
While mountain vineyards melt in wine. 
Of God's blest face I felt the shine. 
Now weary ways grow hard and dark — 
Of jeweled joys there glints no spark, 
To very dust my soul down cleaves. 
In heaviness it melts and grieves, 
Within me doth a fountain lie 
Of tears, yet are mine eyelids dry. 
Could I repress my rage and pride. 
Those gates that bar the crystal tide 
Such bitter cries, yea, I would make, 
The very stars in heaven would shake. 
When I arose at break of day 
And to the stirring chase away, 
I always kissed him ere to roam 
I went, when he remained at home. 



2% 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Once when my petted stag he slew, 

I jested, though of it I knew. 

Were Jacob I, and were I he, 

Would he such vileness do to me ? 

NO, he had not the manly power 

To triumph in a trying hour, 

He'd merciful and maudlin be — 

In force he never coped with me. 

Of strength I was a cedar tall. 

But he a vine to cling or fall. 

Full many a league once Laban came, 

Both daughters brought, and goodly dame, 

Rachel — of good and gracious mien — 

Leah — who seemed a saintly queen. 

Th' Egyptian prince the other day 

Told me, ere starting on my way 

Such thrilling tales of ghosts and ghouls. 

Phoenix, and goblins, gods and souls, 

Within me they are surging wild 

And make me tender as a child." 

Low thunder echoes died away, 

And gleams and gloom had ceased to play; 

When Eve's cool fingers closed the gate 

Where passed the sun in purple state, 

And left behind on cloud and wold 

A gilding as of liquid gold. 



39 



BE TH EL-EL-BE THEL. 

Then twilight soft in wraps of gray 

Day's brilliant beauty hid away. 

Prone Esau lay upon the ground 

Till Dark her mantle tucked him 'round. 

And lying thus upon his face, 

Within that weird and lonely place, 

He dreamed that both were roving boys, 

United in their youthful joys. 

And they were rambhng in the wood 

Enjoying only boyish good. 

When suddenly he caught the beam 

Of dragon eyes, in sunlight gleam, 

And saw a demon from his lair 

Crouching to spring on Jacob there. 

Seizing his brother by the arm 

And starting forward with alarm, 

He sprang into an open space 

Where he beheld his mother's face, 

That seemed to beckon them above 

Upon the holy mount of love. 

Still burdened with his brother's weight, 

He toiling upward reached a gate 

That opened by an unseen hand. 

And shut them in a gladsome land. 

Then turning round to view the place, 

He saw an angel's smihng face. 

Closely he pressed his brother warm 



30 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

And joyed to feel his breathing form. 

When from this startUng dream he wakes 

A swelling storm of passion breaks. 

"A fiery glow," he saith, "doth dry 

My veins as morning draweth nigh, 

Mine honor that so kingly sat — " 

Rephed the voice, "Fools prate of that; 

True hofior makes a rounded man 

For virtue's flame doth honor fan, 

'Tis never what thou hast but art 

In kingly mind and kingly heart, 

That's worth supreme, and through life's press 

Will give thee grace and manliness ; 

Thy character, ne'er pride or purse 

Will be thy honor or thy curse. 

Though mortals err through base design 

Pardon is god-like — hence divine. 

'Tis benedictions soft — not blood 

That render blessedness and good, 

While souls revengeful — full of wrath. 

Can never chmb the heavenward path. 

Sore weighted down — they, sin becalmed 

Remaining thus, are doomed and damned.^' 

Dear Uncle Lot called Jacob fair 

And said he moved with pleasant air 

That did with gracefulness combine. 

"Aye fair he was, " he saith, "and fine, 



31 



BE TH EL-EL- BE THEL . 

A fairer lad was never seen 

I smote if base one him demean." 

He passed from out the gloomy glen 

Above the rocks and reedy fen, 

And fearless on a jutting crag 

Lay like a weary hunted stag, 

With depths above, and deeps below. 

Where shades in denser darkness flow. 

Beneath, the rocks seemed sheeted ghosts, 

Above pulsated sheeny hosts. 

The milky way all melting glowed — 

Behind, huge peaks of blackness showed; 

His very self seemed part of night — 

Around — o'er all — the Infinite. 

"Can I prevail against a power 

That maketh me myself abhor? 

What is" he saith, "my puny might? 

Tenfold He will to me requite 

The wrongs I do in deed or thought 

To harm a soul or give it blot." 

A star down reeled and burning fell 

He said "Some angel's gone to hell 

To ransom with a princely cost. 

Some anguished spirit well-nigh lost; 

Perhaps returning on the road 

He'll still me with a touch of God. 

If I return — men will upbraid — 



32 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

And scorn and say 'He was afraid.' 
"Is approbation more than life 
Of brother, child, or brother's wife?" 
The voice in solemn knolling swell 
Said "Esau, base art thou as hell. 
Of strength thou mayest never prate 
If fear of censure bears such weight, 
Thy sturdy will should choose the right, 
Let others jest or blame or slight. 
This thou shouldst settle for thyselj, 
Nor let derision, wrath, or pelf 
Between thee come and choice supreme." 
A scorching tongue did conscience seem 
That showed his sins of scarlet dye, 
Like mountains tow'ring tow'rd the sky. 
To righteousness it did impel. 
And warned him of an awful hell. 
It thawed the icy rind of years 
And dewed his cheeks with tender tears. 
"Not all in deed or cunning plot 
But sometimes what thou doest not," 
It saith, "will make thee kingly great 
That man should bow and thee await; 
To conquer self, is conquest dear, 
That's more triumphant than of spear." 
Just then a dusky toad hopped past 
He raised a dart at it to cast, 



33 



BETH EL-EL- BETH EL. 

But ere the blow he staid his hand 

And spake aloud in accents bland, 

"I will not harm thee — Hfe is sweet, 

Get thee away to thy retreat." 

Spake voices that he could not smother 

"Spare thou this thing, and slay thy brother?" 

"On hfe's tempestuous sea I'm tossed 

With anchor gone and rudder lost. 

Great deeps" he saith "call unto deep 

While wildly on fierce billows sweep 

Around me, and floods madly pour 

As thunders break in awful power. 

Can nothing lift my sinking soul 

Or must it yield to death's control ? 

Oh blessed Mercy kind and fair 

Thou child of Pity and of Prayer 

Sustain me in these awful woes 

Ere darkness ever me enclose. 

My father's God, though I'm so vile 

I pardon seek for all my guile, 

Sincerely I of sin repent, 

In Mercy stay my punishment. 

Absolve Thou me from every sin 

And make me wholly pure within. 

Remorse is lashing me, and shame. 

My garments tremble with my blame. 

I'll build an altar on this spot 



34 



BETHEL-EL-BE TH EL. 

If Thou wilt ease my wretched lot. 
Jehovah, Jah, that dreadful word 
That scarce can spoken be or heard, 
If off'ring can for sin atone 
To heal my flinty heart of stone, 
Thee will I offer kids and rams. 
With fat of bulls and calves and lambs. 
With incense shall my prayers ascend, 
And by these means my ways amend." 
Although no touch or any voice 
Had made his anguished heart rejoice, 
There in a stillness soft — unheard 
That spake no glad or pard'ning word, 
Stole witch'ry blest, that at that hour 
Wrought knowledge of forgiving power 
And bade his troubled spirit rest. 
He knew he was supremely blest. 
Still was the tempest's angry roll 
That threatened ruin to his soul. 
With natural law and force was he 
In high and holy harmony. 

"Ah, Ah," he saith, "What goeth there? 
What stir and rustle in the air ? 
'Tis but a dog that seeketh birds, 
That came from out the drover's herds; 
He must my brother Jacob's be 



35 



BETHEL-EL-BE THEL. 

Come here nor farther onward flee; 
To smooth thy glossy neck and ear 
Would give me more good hearty cheer 
Than I could gain of kingly good 
By many crowns besmirched with blood." 
One splendid star of liquid light, 
That trembled in its dizzy height, 
And waning moon so thin and cold 
With crescent horns all bent and old, 
Went toiling up the eastern sky — 
Precursors of the morning nigh, 
And by their kindly guiding lamp 
Esau went joyfully to camp. 

"We'll have no battle men to-day" 
He saith, "I've found a better way 
That gaineth heights of truth sublime. 
And leadeth to another chme. 
Where tempted ones go not astray. 
But motives break in silv'ry spray, 
Of actions kind, wrath turns to hopes 
And courage leads up manly slopes, 
Should any wish this course to prove 
'Tis through the mighty force of Love." 
Since on that fearful night of wrath 
When they had trod the diverse path, 
The flight of years had left their trace 

36 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

On heart' and brain and bearded face. 

Like drifting gold the sunshine lay, 

As cloud and shadow fled away, 

Wild blossoms bore the blush of June, 

While shook the air with songster's tune, 

As over crag and rose-lit lea 

Rained clear sweet rippling melody. 

Behind the blaze of morning's beam 

And verdure's sparkling glint and gleam, — 

Behind the splendor and the song, 

Was God, and all the unseen throng; 

So thin the film — so soft the blue, 

There subtile spirit wafted through. 

Thus rosy morn with grace replete 

Possessed the vale where brothers greet. 

They reach a moment all sublime, 

When conscious joy-bells ring and chime, 

With holy love that cannot fail, 

Their hearts rang out "All hail!— All hail!" 

When they beheld each other's face — 

Hastening on to glad embrace. 

With strong emotion and desire. 

When soul touched soul with kiss of fire, 

Esau fell down upon one knee, 

While all around him seemed to flee. 

As they remained apart a space 

He said, "Could I but kiss thy face, 



37 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Then could I die of gladness great, 

And in some outer region wait 

Till thou shouldst come to me again, 

Beyond the reach of mortal ken." 

Firm Israel clasped his manly form — 

In close embrace he held him warm, 

And spake, "I thought to greet with goodly 

grace, 
But when you ran to my embrace, 
Such radiance all my being filled — 
Such rapture all my senses thrilled, 
Morn's golden shine turned sickly pale 
And hid beneath a sombre veil. 
While all around me seemed to whirl 
And falter in a dizzy swirl — 
But Esau, thou wert strong of yore 
Doth faintness now oppress thee sore?" 
"Such depths of joy my life doth shake — 
My spirit stirs " thus Esau spake, 
"It hath me of all strength bereft, 
My soul apart from being, cleft. 
Though we asundered were world wide — 
We greet in gladness glorified." 

Since Love had set her torch afire. 
And burned from each all base desire 
They met as angels meet in flight 

38 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

With glist'ning domes of heaven in sight, 
With faces wet with tender tears 
From pent up hearts of bitter years, 
Long they embraced in mehing mood, 
So sacred was their brother-hood. 
And each the other closer drew, 
For larger Love that loves anew- 
Had cleansed their souls till pure and fair. 
And wrought them glory from despair. 
The place to them was holy ground 
Where each a brother lost had found. 

* * * * 

Before the silv'ry bar of morn 

Had backward slid away. 
And loosed like gliding drops of pearl 

The moments of the day. 

Dawn's tardy footsteps high had clomb 

Far in the blushing heiglit, 
With rosy finger-tips to quench 

The waning lamps of night; 

Israel beheld the ruby flame 
Leap through the sable smoke, 

That spiral wound in purple wreaths, 
And into amber broke, 



39 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

And when the sacred rites were o'er 
He saith, "No word doth fail, 

The Lord hath held me kind and strong 
Through calm and beating gale. 

"To Bethel I return once more, 

An altar new to rear, 
Where on this spot I talked with God, 

While angels bent to hear. 

"Most painful were the fangs of sin 

When I from Esau fled, 
When lone I slumbered on the ground 

With stones beneath my head. 

"Though all defiled with sin's foul touch 

Here I repentance wrought, 
And on my soul the healing beams 

Of God's great mercy caught. 

"His covenant he hath renewed, 

And added wealth untold, 
And giv'n me wife and children dear 

With comforts manifold. 



40 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"With gratitude my heart extols 
His deeds and tender words 

And precious promises fulfilled — 
Wholly am I the Lord's." 

"Jacob, my lord," a servant saith, 
"Thy brother bade me say 

Of late thy father hath been low 
And soon must pass away." 

Hasty the messenger had sped 

From Hebron far away. 
Then quickly Israel prepared 

The summons to obey. 

"You're ready, Leah?" soon he saith, 
"This is your camel, see — 

The servants will press on behind. 
And I ride one near thee. 

"Oh I could gild the morn with praise, 
And flush the air with song, 

In gratitude my voice would raise 
That father's Uved so long. 



41 



BE TH EL-EL-BETH EL. 

"Now will his couch all lonesome stand 

In silent emptiness, 
Where flowed his life in soulful psalm 

Fraught with deep joyousness." 

Sad Esau sat beside the bed, 

His wife and children all 
With tearful eyes and muffled tread, 

Bewailed the silent call. 

When Jacob and Leah entered in, 

They all with bated breath 
Awaited for the solemn thing, 

That awful thing called death. 

"This music," spake the dying sire, 
"Is thrilling to the soul, 

From slumber's calm, when spirit wakes- 
Such strains then round me roll. 

"I long to break away and rise 
And mount on waves of song — 

Orion gain, and upward soar, 
On higher crests along. 



42 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

What fleeting phantoms fill the brain — 

Sure this is Jacob's voice, 
When warm your hands are on mine own, 

I scarcely have a choice 

"To go to meet thy mother lad, 

The path is dimly plain — 
To join her in that sun-lit land 

Or longer here remain. 

"Although your face I cannot see, 

Your tone and touch is joy; 
The greeting of the morning stars 

Aye comes with thee my boy. 

"Sometimes the curtains will arise, 
Or they will sway and shake, 

And when my blinded eyes behold 
Most fearfully I quake. 

"Your mother once I plainly saw, 

As on her bridal day 
Stand by me in her snowy robes, 

And as she passed away 



43 



BETHEL'EL-BETHEL. 

"She turned and waved a beck'ning hand, 

(None fairer e'er than she) 
I saw the gleam her jewels Ht 

Flash out most marv'lously. 

"My father and my mother next 

Smiled on me, then, Alas! 
They both were wafted far away 

Upon a sea of glass. 

"Now I am here and then elsewhere 

Dissolving is this state, 
I'm blind — I see — there is no light 

Then shineth light that's great." 

At eventide he breathed a prayer 

And passed the silent bourne. 
Whence though the way be opened wide 

From thence none e'er return. 

Amid the women's tearful wail 

Was heard a tender strain, 
As if the singing seraphim 

Were sobbing a refrain. 



44 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

HYMN. 

All broken lies the golden bowl. 

Its ruby wine is spilled, 
The pitcher's shattered at the fount, 

No more to be refilled. 

Severed is the silver cord 

And snapped in twain the bow, 

Thus manhood from his strength and pride 
By death is smitten low. 

The fire burned hot as I mused on, 
That I mine end might know — 

The measure of my fleeting days, 
So frail I am below. 

Our days are three-score years and ten; 

If four-score years be they, 
Sorrow and labor is their strength, 

And soon we flee away. 

Make glad according to the days 

Afilictions are but just, 
So let thy marv'lous works appear 

In beauty from the dust. 

45 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

With honors that befit a king, 
With dirge and march and hymn, 

'Mid woman's weird and weeping wail 
Esau and Jacob buried him. 

With spikenard 'round the body wrapped, 
With myrrh and pleasant balm, 

They turned away and left it in 
The grave's eternal calm. 

Thus Isaac to his fathers was 

Gathered in ripe old age. 
His ashes laid beside his wife's 

And Abraham's — holy sage. 

When all the funeral rites were o'er, 

And mourners in the streets 
Unto his brother Esau came. 

And thus he kindly greets: 

"Dear brother Jacob do you know 
From whence the solemn dirge 

The mourners sang at father's grave? 
And still it seems to surge 



46 



BE TH EL-EL-BE THEL. 

"Like Autumn leaves that circle round — 

And rouAd, and round again, 
So through my being it doth swirl 

Through saddened heart and brain ?" 

'*Yea, brother, that was Judah's verse, 

His was the mournful boon," 
Saith Israel, "Levi gave the hymn 

Its sweet and solemn tune. 

"I have it in my sandal chest 
'Mid parchments gray and old. 

That brings the longing soul more wealth 
Than hoards of shining gold." 

"Such verse," quoth Esau, "whene'er heard 

In funeral dirge or song, 
Brings kindly comfort to the soul, 

As smooth it flows along. 

"As breaths when coming soft and warm 

From off a sunny plain, 
Portend the balmy budding spring, 

Such truths great hopes contain. 



47 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 
DIRGE. 

Lord, Thou hast been our dwelhng place 

Ere mountains were brought forth, 
From everlasting Thou art God 
' Ere thou didst form the earth. 
Thou knowest all our secret sins 
p Shut not thine ear to prayer, 
Deal gently with our waywardness, 
Be merciful and spare. 

Lord most holy and most high, 
Who gave our being breath, 

Our souls dehver from the pain 

Of an eternal death. 
If man sinned not he'd fear no death. 

Death is of sin the sting, 
But thanks to God who o'er the grave 

To man doth triumph bring. 

1 heard a voice from highest heaven, 
'Write thou the things that be — 

Henceforth most blessed are the dead 
That die and reign with me.' 

I know that my Redeemer Uves — 
Shall stand on earthly sod; 



48 



BE TH EL-EL-BETH EL. 

Though worms the body shall destroy 

In flesh -shall I see GOD. 

* * * * 

Thus Israel spake when Esau ceased 

When he each verse had read, 
"To mourning ones this comfort brings 

And hopes for blessed dead. 

"Such thoughts new meanings give to life, 
When ways grow hard and dark, 

If aching, chafed and driven souls 
Can catch a ruby spark 

"Of God's great gleaming glory fire. 

And know its light divine 
Streams through the portals of the tomb, 

Grief changeth to a shrine. 

"And barren Earth that was so hard 

With baflSed aim and task. 
Breaks forth in living waters clear, 

In which we drink and bask 

"When light of vast Eternity 

Is flooding time and space, 
Life's deserts burst in odor'us bloom 

Of loveliness and grace. 



49 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"I well recall my vision of 

A ladder built of light, 
That lit the dark at Bethel here, 

And pierced its vaulted height. 

"Where angels down with dimpled feet 
Bore blessings of great worth, 

And then returned to God again, 
With wants of man on earth; 

"Yea, sorely needeth troubled souls 

A pathway unto God, 
Although through prayer and sacrifice 

One gains a hallowed good; 

"Yet of a Daysman is there need 
Who'd lay on man one hand. 

And one on God's Almightiness 
To bind both in one band — 

"Some great High Priest that is divine 

Yet bears the heart of man. 
Who having love and might of God 

Could feel as mortals can. 

"Me thinks that dream was a fore-gleam 

Of some great plan divine — 
Some truth, that yet will incarnate — 

Prophetic is the sign. 



50 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"When man came fresh and warm from God 

Creation's crown was he, 
And he with beings blest kept step 

In truth and purity. 

"Within him moved God's spirit breath, 
From His, his soul was wrought — 

'From burning veins of Deity,' 
Were drawn man's life and thought. 

"He felt the gleaming and the warmth 

Of God's grand loving face, 
His warm and pulsing peerless wing 

O'ershadowed his slow pace. 

"Strong wings the cherubim unfurled 

And downward swept to Earth, 
Where they with guileless man communed 

Or brake in anthems forth. 

"Resounding symphonies rolled back 

As voices swept along 
With rustling wing and throbbing lyre, 

A grand tempestuous song. 

"When e'er the soaring seraphim 

Met man on earthly sod, 
Through lips afire with praise they sang 

'We greet the sons of God.' 



51 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"And then with base defiling touch 

Sin marred his trusting soul, 
And smirched its snow-white purity 

And turned his joy to dole. 

"Man's palmy days grew black with storm 

And murky sulphurous cloud, 
While hurtling thunder swept the sky. 

From his offended God. 

"Yet through the tempest and the night 

One ray of mercy broke, 
Whose holy beams of promise blest, 

A flame of hope awoke, 

"Of a restorer yet to be, 

Who could the foulest taint 
Cleanse from the sinning soul of man. 

Till he'd become a saint." 

"Ay, ay, my brother," Esau spake, 

"Is not our sacrifice 
A finger pointing to a priest 

That shall for us arise 

"And full atonement make for all — 

E'en every soul of man, 
Who may his purity restore 

With thoughts renewed and plan ? 



52 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"Then his awakened angel harp 

With pure and blest desire 
Would sweetly trill in prayer and praise 

Lost chords of holy fire." 

While Leah fed a puny lamb 

Too weak to reach the fold, 
She pausing said, "I beg your grace 

The prophets have foretold 

"As man from paradise was driven 

And loss by woman came. 
So through our motherhood shall even 

Be far removed the blame. 

"Thus stands the promise rich and broad 

All flaming bright, 'tis read 
From sacred writ, that 'woman's seed 

Shall bruise the serpent's head.' 

"Sure will the restoration come 

Conscious of sins forgiven, 
Reclothed shall manhood spotless stand, 

In purity of heaven. 

"To woman should this promise be 

A priceless covering, 
Of all the offerings brought to God 

The choicest she could bring. 



S3 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"Of all the praises that ascend, 
She, clearest notes should sing, 

To sharply flash like sparkling stars 
As far their echoes ring." 

Judah was reading unobserved 
In parchments old and gray. 

That told the story of the flood, 
And open there one lay. 

When Leah passed by thus he spake; 

"My mother is so fine, 
She more than others seemeth fit 

To grace that royal line. 

"Her eye hath caught the tender shine 

And sympathizing gaze 
Of pity which is half divine. 

That ruleth all her ways. 

"Since Justice bears the sword of Death- 
(Great conqueror enthroned — ) 

Like battling tempests in their might 
Is he with lightnings crowned. 

"While Mercy chaste and innocent 
Is decked with stars of hght. 

She bears the holy dew of hope 
That beads life's hhes white. 



54 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"Somehow, somewhere, must they be wed, 
From Tfuth's grand mountain old 

The heart of Justice will gleam back 
Sweet Mercy's touch of gold." 

Then Esau spake, "Thy Judah is 

A rare and noble youth, 
Most deep in wisdom are his ways 

And strong in love and truth." 

Then Israel saith in undertone, 

"God spake at Bethel shrine, 
'From us should spring a king of might 

To come in kingly line.' 

"While looking in his manly face 

Methinks I see a sign — 
Aye more than kings, I sometimes think 

Might spring of Judah's line. 

"Perhaps some one, a king of men — 

A king and yet a saint, 
That could lift up the fallen soul, 

And cleanse it from sin's taint. 

"Yea, Leah's great and tender heart, 

Where only blessings thrive 
Shows possibilities supreme, 

That God might make alive. 



55 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"And blend the human and divine 

Within a holy one, 
Higher than we, more Hfted than 

An angel in the sun. 

"Might not there be -some altar blest — 

Might endless incense rise, 
Where he would off'ring make for all 

Eternal sacrifice?" 

Saith Esau, "Then why sacrifice 
And worship at two shrines?' 

"Because for sin and sinfulness 
These are the outward signs. 

"'Twas Bethel," Israel saith, "whereat 

Of sin I did repent. 
When God forgave the wretched wrong 

And burden-free I went. 

"What baneful hurt that mortals feel 

Can give to souls distressed 
Such aching, gnawing, dying pain, 

As sin that's unconfessed. 

"Nor is there potency in prayer 

Unless we do His will 
Unless we live to do His work, 

And trut^- our bosoms fill. 



56 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"When I had done that shameful wrong, 

And ahgels of despair 
Hedged up my way with sable wings, 
. I cried for mercy there. 

"And there I felt the touch of God 

Upon my sin-stained soul, 
When from the purple of His power 

The skies did backward roll. 

"Then the altar of God's house I reared 

As a repentance shrine. 
And named it Bethel, where my soul 

Had felt His touch divine. 

"And through its smoke I ever see 

The sweep of angel wings, 
And kindling glory in the sky 

To mind this altar brings. 

"It keeps a sacred memory green 

And calls to mind a vow. 
When at this sacrificial shrine 

With hallowed rites we bow. 

"And burdened sinners love to come 

To this secluded spot; 
When one is tempted sore, and tried 

Through Satan's baneful plot 



57 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"He comes to Bethel, and lays down 

His weary, sinful load, 
While with the smoke of sacrifice 

He pardon prays from God. 

"And when the burden off has rolled, 
When freed from guilt and fear, 

On looking up he feels the drop 
Of a forgiving tear. 

"Those who have felt the fangs of sin 

And feel the sting remove 
They only, know the blessedness 

There is in holy love. 

"El-Bethel is the other shrine; 

There when we sacrifice, 
A glory glows in brighter shine, 

While fragrant incense rise." 

Spake Esau, "I must now away — 
Some other time thou'lt tell, 

Why thou the other altar built, 
And named it God-Bethel." 

sfi :}: H! % 5j« 

Great tidal waves of crimson beams 
Surge o'er the emerald hills. 

The sil'vry pools responsive blush, 
The air with odor fills. 

58 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Israel's engaged in morning prayer 

With Esau and his sons, 
Who are his loving guests again, 

With wives and Httle ones. 

While as their aspirations rise 

With pure and blest desire. 
Like incense wafting from the soul 

Breaks forth the holy fire- 
When prayer and sacrifice were o'er 

A grateful song they sang, 
Throughout the melody and hymn 

A sacred gladness rang. 



59 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 
HYMN. 

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow 

Ye angels in your height — 
Archangels blest, with faces veiled, 

And all ye saints of light. 

Fall down before His burning throne, 

Ye shining hosts adore 
The awful majesty of God — 

In praise your anthems pour. 

Thou sun and moon — ye stars of night — 

Fulfilling all His word, 
Ye stormy winds that rage in might, 

Sweep on and praise the Lord. 

Ye singing birds and flying fowls — 

Ferocious beasts and tame — 
And you ye dragons from your deeps, 

Come forth and praise His name. 

Ye nations and ye peoples all — 

Great princes of the earth — 
Maidens and youths and aged men — 

Let all in praise break forth. 



60 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Praise ye the Lord, His greatness, love, 

And mercy evermore, 
From everlasting shall endure — 

Come worship and adore. 

* * * * 

Spake Esau when there fell a hush, 

"Brother wilt thou define — 
Or please the story to relate 

Of this most sacred shrine?" 

Then Israel spake, "When Adam sinned 

Great fear fell on his soul, 
And all the horrors of the lost 

Held him in their control. 

"He heard the voice at even- tide 

That he had loved so well. 
And dread and darkness swept his soul — 

He feared, as we fear hell. 

"An awful gulf yawned deep and wide — 

A chasm far across. 
With guilty fright his soul awoke 

In torment for his loss. 

"And ever since a sinning soul 

Will start and shake with fear, 
When death and judgment come in thought, 

Or it God's voice should hear. 

6i 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"If e'er a soul on heaven-crowned hills 
Near God would walk in white, 

From sin's defilement it must be 
All pure as crystal light. 

"Repentance is his first great act — 

It is the corner stone — 
An earnest godly grief for sin 

That seeketh to atone. 

"And he must turn from sin away 

And shun the deadly thing; 
His wayward soul in harmony 

With God's blest will must bring. < 

"When I had lain my sacrifice 

On th' altar Bethel there, 
And all my hidden sins brought out 

And every fault laid bare. 

"And when the fire acceptance wrought, 

It purified the soul, 
Of all pollution I went forth 

From its defiled control. 

"There yet within the heart remained 

A root of wrong desire; 
Though I'd gained pardon for my sins 

Through sacrificial fire. 



62 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"Yet unaware again they grew 
And gave me cause to mourn; 

Sometimes they seemed almost as vile 
As any I had borne. 

"Intense I longed to rid the soul 

Of every seed of sin — 
To make each motive pure and true, 

And clean the Hfe within. 

"The more I saw my sinfulness 
The deeper grew the gloom — 

Though awful is God's holiness 
Apart from Him is doom. 

*Tn all this universe so vast 
Naught but His sovereign power 

Can take away the death of sin, 
And purity restore. 

"Anew I gave myself to God 

Forever His to be, 
Yea, all I am, and all I had — 

His own eternally. 

"But forces baneful strove with me 
That self should self control, 

They wrestled long — they struggled hard 
To damn my desperate soul. 

63 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"A holy hand then helped me slay 

Unholy powers within, 
And when the blow smote selfishness 

It slew the life of sin. 

"And then I laid my sovereign powers 

Of body, soul and mind, 
Upon an altar newly made 

In covenant to bind. 

"To let Him make me as He would 
Nor dare with Him contend, 

But do as He should me require 
E'en to each idol rend; 

"In loyalty to recognize 

God's Ownership within, 
And for this whole surrender He 

Should cleanse me from all sin. 

"Then fervently with outward reach 
I longed for deathless good, 

That conquered now lay sinful self 
I sorely cried for God. 

"Like one that's on some desert lone, 
In painful want and dread. 

E'en so I yearned and hungry cried, 
'Oh for the living bread.' 



64 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"Then on my vision burst a form 

Of Godlike mien and grace, 
Fresh coming from the Great Unknown, 

Melchizedek's, the face. 

"And heart to heart I talked with hin 

As to a faithful friend. 
And face to face with him I strove, 

And wrestling strong did rend. 

"A blessing like all heaven let down 

With windows open wide, 
In awful glory I was swathed 

Around on every side. 

"As o'er our sacrifice it sweeps 
I saw the flame descend, 

With breaking wave — a swelling tide- 
Till it did bum and rend. 

"My soul apart from earthly things, 

And I with God alone 
Gained there a blest experience, 

That made all heaven mine own. 

"While glory terrible swept on 
Through raptured heart and brain, 

Joy's greater gladness in me moved, 
And struggled e'en, to pain. 

6S 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"I knew my sacrifice of self 
Had full acceptance wrought, 

I asked that He His hand would stay^ 
Such depths of joy it brought. 

"A stronger and a richer life 
From His great store divine, 

Now gushes from His heart of love 
And enters into mine. 

"By purer motives I am led 

His paths to follow in, 
His love hath wholly me absorbed 

His touch cleansed me from sin. 

" 'Tis lightened by the face of God 

This consecration shrine, 
And always when we worship here 

I feel the glory shine. 

"El-Bethel is its sacred name, 

Because it is a sign 
Of how my soul is wrapped with God, 

In fellowship divine, 

"And I go on in pleasant paths. 

And gladly follow Him; 
In pastures green He leadeth me. 

My cup o'erflows its brim. 



66 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"It rough and rugged runs the road 
Througfi valleys dark and lone, 

He outward leads in wealthy ways, 
And better farther on. 

"The rustle of His robes I hear 

Around me in the air, 
I feel no fear, His presence is 

A safeguard everywhere. 

"Thus all my care He makes His own 
And gives me perfect peace, 

That like a river fioweth on. 
Whose waters never cease. 

"For 'neath His shadow I abide. 

Where safe He shelters me. 
And hides me in His secret place 

Where I His glory see. 

"I'd take fast hold on His great might 
Should dangers threaten me. 

My strong high tower and my defence- 
My rock of refuge He." 

"Nay, nay, my brother," Esau spake, 
"How canst thou press so near 

The awful shadow of His throne, 
And neither quake nor fear? 

67.. 



BETHEL-EL-BE THEL. 

"If in His splendor thou canst stand — 

His sparkling face behold — 
His golden air around thee gleam 

And canst on Him lay hold — 

"If thou canst feel His garment's fringe 

Upon thy shoulder laid — 
Canst look upon its blinding shine 

And never die afraid? 

"Why dost thou really know the need, 

Or want a Days-man kind, 
To stand 'twixt thee and His dread face, 

And with His presence bind 

"Thee to His holy heart of power; 

If thou canst hve and tell 
How burning glory wrapped thee round 

With beams ineffable?" 

"Why brother dear," Israel rephes, 
"'Tw^as not these outward eyes 

That pierced the awful mysteries 
Fast locked within the skies. 

"It was the inner sense and soul 
And consciousness that saw — 

The eyes of being, tightly closed 
Will ope in course of law. 

68 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL, 

"To drop a seed within the earth 

Is but' a simple thing, 
Yet warming touch of shower and shine 

Makes it to being spring. 

"Thus holy forces on the soul 

Will pierce its mortal clod, 
Until the germs of life unfold. 

And it is bom of God. 

"The great surrender was my will, 
That let Him have control — 

That He could do what'er He wished 
For body, mind, and soul, 

"And then, I felt the thriUing touch, 

That sent the holy spark, 
When spirit eyes flew open wide 

And saw what had been dark. 

"As matter will respond to mind 
That it should start and move 

So spirit can the mind control, 
And bend the will in love. 

"If thou wouldst catch the faintest gleam 
Of glory, thou shouldst strive 

To bring thy barren soul to God, 
For Him to make alive. 



69 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"Naught canst thou do but to receive, — 

New forces start within, 
As pressure on thee from without 

Doth heal and cleanse from sin. 

"Then thou canst clearly see and know 

His face upon thee shine; 
Through weight of blessing He will give 

Thee strength, that is divine. 

"Man walks with bare and blistered feet 

Ways up to God — forsooth, 
He needs a new and living way, 

A way of life and truth. 

"God's greatness is unsearchable, 

So high is He and grand — 
The thunder of His mighty power 

Ah, who can understand? 

"Why not some one our cause to plead 

All human wrapped as we, 
Who tempted was on every point, 

Yet held the victory. 

"If God's blest blood course through man's veins, 

Will He not downward lean, 
And incarnate His word in life 

To reach the soul unclean? 



70 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

'Will He not cleanse its sinful stains 

With coals of living truth, 
And through some blessed Way impart 

His own immortal youth? 

"Methinks that ladder sparkling bright 

Foretold a princely one, 
That would both God and man unite, 

Their mingled Hfe to run." 

Then Esau spake, "Can others climb 

Quite up the dizzy height, 
To thy sky-cleaving peaks of truth, 

Nor perish in their flight? 

"Yea all my brother," Israel saith 

But whatso'ere impel 
His stubborn will, shall humbly bend — 

'Twas there the angels fell." 

Then Esau spake, "'T would make one serve 

And be a very slave. 
Where then would be the royal right 

To use the gifts God gave?" 

"Yea," Israel quoth, "And thou shalt serve, 

The question is with whom? 
Thou wilt be guided by a choice 

Nor doubt it to presume. 



71 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"Well doing always bringeth joy; 

Wrong, doth from weal withdraw- 
Thy soul should be in harmony 

With God's great rule called Law. 

"Two forces only rule the Earth, 
Sore one defiles, and kills — 

The soul thus wholly it destroys, 
To God the other builds. 

"In knowledge God is all supreme, 

While man can only peer 
Upon existence's single point 

Of puny hfe-course here. 

"But God through vast eternities 
Beholds each long hfe line. 

With wisdom infinite may choose — 
In mercy all divine." 

"Of sin's vile bondage evermore 
Art thou made truly free — 

From its surprise and after hurt 
Of ache or agony?" 

"Nay," Israel saith, "No one is free 

As long as life remains 
From baneful possibilities of sin, 

And all it appertains. 



72 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"Unless, in oneness he with God 

Shall dwell immutable, 
Then in the presence of His power 

All things are possible. 

"Is not the worship just the same 

Whichever shrine we use? 
All bow," saith Esau, "To one Lord 

Whichever he may choose. 

"Can blessing and forgiveness both 

At once be granted thee, 
And would not one shrine be as well 

Instead of two or three?" 

"When e'er an upward soul meets God 

And gains its blest desire, 
In chmbing toilsome stony paths, 

Or on a stair of fire, 

"He may his grateful Bethels rear, 

Or altars all in one. 
And see the tongue of flame appear 

And know he hath well done." 

Thus Israel spake, and saith, "A verse 

Judah may now repeat, 
And then the dev^ morning hours 

We'll fill as seemeth meet." 



73 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 
VERSE. 

In darkness is God's secret place, 

Pavilioned all about 
Are clouds that awful thunders break, 

While circl'ing Him without. 

Yet He not always is revealed 
In voice through thunder's roll. 

As on it sweeps all tempest-like 
Within a storm-swept soul, 

But softly as the dews distil 

Upon the daisies fair, 
So will His spirit oft descend 

Upon a soul at prayer. 

* * * * 

Calm night all holy and serene, 

Is on her dusky throne; 
TTie tranquil air in gentle hush 

Hath dim and silent grown. 

The harvest moon is at her full; 

Clouds lie in feath'ry fold. 
With pale hues dripping from their fringe, 

'Neath fleecy skirts of gold. 



74 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

In liquid softness melt the stars— 

A chain of moonlit fells 
Rests underneath the placid sky, 

White glow their emerald swells. 

Afar, Mount Ephraim cleaves the sky, 

Majestic, pearly crowned, 
Where rocks and trees, outstanding high, 

Throw darkness all around. 

Above the river's yielding brink, 
A moonbeam bridge is borne, 

Where flashing rimples rise and sink, 
The shining path adorn. 

A line of silver rims each crest 

Of purple wavelet's swell; 
Broken and rippling on the flood 

The glisten rose and fell. 

Again reunion day has come. 

The gladdest of the year; 
When all may meet with ringing greet, 

And hand touch hand with cheer. 

Brothers and wives are in the calm 

Of life's long afternoon. 
Ere 'round them twihght shadows gloom 

And dark comes stealing on. 



75 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Their sons and wives are in their prime 

With children growing tall; 
Again they come all merrily 

To visit Israel. * 

The elders sit without the tents 

Bathed in the moonhght fair, 
Which peaceful presence presseth down 

And resteth everywhere. 

Spake Esau, "How compares the glory 

Of this golden stream 
That swathes us in its sheeny wave, 

Till we can feci its beam, 

"With that which thou hast seen, and why 

E'en unto being's brim 
Are we with adoration charged, 

When beauty grows sublime?" 

Quoth Israel, "This is all of God, 

His outer garment's fringe, 
But of the hidden glory glow 

Thou canst but catch a tinge. 

"Tis said: 'All things are only parts 

Of one stupendous whole, 
W^hose body this Great Nature is 

And God the living soul.' 



76 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"We know we ne'er can find a spot 

Upon this Earth so fair, 
Without His presence or His life, 

For God is everywhere. 

"The glory that I told thee of— 

His character I meant; 
And when His presence touched my life 

All through it sweetly went 

"A thrill. His qualities I saw 

That moved new life within, 
As coursing through my soul it ran, 

I was to Him akin. 

"A wondrous glory I beheld 

Of character divine, 
That through His holy attributes 

Glows with a rapturous shine, 

"And hghts man's darkened heart and brain, 

And makes life forces move 
By His own awful holiness. 

That melteth into love. 

"His lofty character we know 

By glory and wisdom's name. 
It giveth warmth and light to souls 

As sunhght doth the same, 



77 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL 

"For sunlight paints the Uly's check 
That groweth pure and fair — 

The blush of beauty on the rose, 
And giveth graceful air; 

"So He lights up man's character 
With virtues rare and sweet; 

With holy impress stamps the soul, 
And makes it kind and great. 

"As light reveals to outward eyes 
The things that are about, 

So truth reveals the qualities 
That through man shineth out. 

"As light illumines all and shows 
Strange shadows weird and dark, 

So truth reveals the hidden sins — 
No life without its spark 

"Of soul light that reveals the shade 
And shows each crimson sin, 

Yet makes all virtues richly bloom. 
And knowledge grow within. 

"In every piercing lance of light 
That's pointing from the sun, 

Seven burning bars of color bright 
May change and blend in one. 



78 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"All streams of glory from the throne 

Bear each a seven- fold ray, 
That Knowledge, Wisdom, Justice, Truth, 

And Mercy will display. 

"While Love and spotless Purity 

Are parts of its clear beams; 
The whole is one grand glory- ray 

That from the Highest streams. 

"Pass rainbow rays through crystal prism— 

These bars of brilliant beam — 
The seven fine colors sleeping there 

Will fuse in one white gleam. 

"Likewise the attributes of God 

Descending from above. 
When focused in the soul, become 

One blending ray of love. 

"Although His justice is so stern 

Wherein our trials dwell, 
And yet our suff'rings minister 

That they His love may tell." 

Then Esau spake, "Canst thou tell why, 

We dwellers on this clod 
So oft should sorely troubled be? 

Is anguish sent from God?" 



79 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"The richest jewel man can bear 

Within his inmost heart," 
Saith Israel, "Is wrought out by pain — 

Burnished by ache and smart. 

"Could diamonds feel the polish wheel. 

Or chisel smite could know, 
How they would shrink from hammer stroke, 

Ere they could burn and glow. 

"But hearts unlike rough diamonds hard, 

Each impress sore will feel 
Of chisel blow upon them laid, 

Or wearing grind of wheel. 

"Some marks of scourge upon thee laid 

Along the quiv'ring line. 
Leave open windows in the soul, 

From whence its jewels shine. 

"Oft trials come to let us know 

That life is more than years — 
Yea, more than drift upon a stream. 

With neither cares nor fears, 

"But something in the soul of man 

All worthy, good and grand. 
So urging him to loftier heights 

And stronger self-command. 

80 



BETHEL-EL-BE THEL. 

"A tree that hath but surface life 

Is weak and little worth, 
While other ones with roots grown deep 

Strong upward boughs send forth. 

"Thus he who reaches greater depths, 
May climb to heights sublime. 

And though eternity's rough winds 
Blow through the gates of time, 

"And make us tremble in their sweep. 

Or bend and beat us so, 
Ne'er should we murmur or complain 

If strong we upward grow. 

"Bereft of conflict man would lack 

Incentives to be great. 
And wanting character and soul 

He'd have no moral weight. 

"And freedom or the choice of will 
Would be a meanless thing; 

There'd be no energy, nor aims. 
Nor triumph aught could bring, 

"And thus devoid of lofty schemes 
He'd plod in endless round, 

With groping hands that listless fall 
And eyes fixed on the ground." 



8i 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Then Judah spake, "That calls to mind 

A Hittitc king once said, 
'Whene'er they slew an enemy 

Or blood of foe they shed, 

" 'Souls of the slain would enter in 
The souls of those who slew, 

And greater power had they to wield 
The sword when wars renew.' 

"Thus with our difficulties all — 

(Unless we soon succumb) 
Their spirit enters and makes strong 

The souls that overcome. 

"Then in the next fierce trial test, 
We two-fold strength will wield. 

And other contests win upon 
Endeavor's battle field." 

"Yea," Judah spake, "When trial stress 
Shall rack this mortal frame. 

Strong natures oft will energize 
And seem to break aflame, 

"And forcefulness and splendor show 
In grapp'hng with the hour, 

As bringing out their latent might. 
They wield a giant power. 



8j 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"And when the conflict fierce hath passed 
Of strength and patience sweet, 

Will added lustre glow in hfe, 
Through character replete. 

"And thus amid storm's wildest surge 

They'll gain such self-control, 
That rests unmoved through time and tide 

In quietness of soul. 

"Aye, often through some cank'ring care- 
Some trial fraught with loss. 

One gains fine tenderness of soul 
With every added cross." 

Then Leah saith, "By trial sore, 

When props are swept away 
Sore loss will bring man lasting good, 

If God becomes his stay. 

"All useless lies the precious ore 

Till melted clear as glass, 
So through the fiery crucible 

Of trial, one must pass, 

"If he would have their virtues shine 

Resplendent as fine gold, 
He must a cleansing gain by fire, 

And impress mark of mold. 

^2, 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

**Thus at white heat great souls shall pass 

Through molten fires of God, 
That after they His image bear, 

And walk where He hath trod." 

"AY," Israel saith, "When from the glow 

Of trial's furnace heat, 
If in its seething crucial wave 

One freedom has complete, 

"With sympathy that reaches down 

Beneath all forms and creed, 
He'll be in touch with other's ills, 

And succor those in need. 

"Thus would we share another's care, 

And in their trying hours 
Our shoulders 'neath their burdens press, 

Until the ache is ours." 

Joseph arrayed in royal robes 
Fresh from th' Egyptian throne, 

With far-off soulful gaze spake out, 
In earnest tender tone, 

"The poet's lines blush with the blood 
That's from his great heart wrung. 

E'er can his soul of beauty pent 
Escape in deathless song. 

84 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"The golden grain must find a grave 
Within Earth's dusky mould, 

Ere it can live and bear again 
Rich harvests manifold. 

"The crawhng chrysalis must die, 

That from its broken tomb 
May poise the beauteous butterJEiy, 

In grace upon its bloom; 

"When dearest hopes are fully dead 

And sepulchred are lain. 
At some white angel's thrilUng touch 

They Hve refined again. 

"All fields of conquered selfishness 
Are mounds of lofty height, 

And from the grave of buried selj 
The soul is plumed for flight. 

"Fear not to take thy varied lot — 
The trophies and the scars. 

Nor question why, nor how, God rules 
Among His holy stars." 

*f* •T* ^ 'V* 

Beyond a group of ohve trees 
With dark plumes rising strong, 

Was borne on Zephyr's softest breath, 
A wave of sacred song. 

85 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL 

SONG. 
I know not what of joys or pain 

This fleeting life may hold, 
I only know God's loving care 

Will ever me enfold. 

I know not why Earth's precious things 
By dross are seamed and marred, 

I only know that through His grace 
Our loss shall be restored. 

I know not how His spirit moves 

Upon the soul within, 
I only know God's living touch 

Hath cleansed away my sin. 

I know not where death's waters pale 

Soft lave the golden shore, 
Or where the glad redeemed of earth 

Angelic anthems pour. 

I know not when I'll cross the bar 

That parts life's sullen sea, 
I only know that at the helm 

One safe will pilot me. 

I know not if heaven's domes and towers 

Be gleaming like the sun, 
I onlv know that when I'm there 

I'll hear Him say "Well done." 

86 



BE TH EL-EL-BETH EL. 

Esau had with the boatman pale 

Crossed o'er the silent sea, 
His farewell on a landward gale 

Rang out triumphantly. 

And Israel on the strand of time 

Listeth for muffled oars; 
His eye hath caught a gleam sublime 

Of unknown golden shores. 

His grieving sons are kneeUng round 

In tearless sorrow dumb, 
And face death's mystery profound, 

All baffled and o'ercome 

"Between two silences," he saith, 

"A cry this life hath seemed; 
A light in darkness that a breath, 

Would flicker as it gleamed. 

"When life's germ breaks from bondage free. 

And growth its power employs. 
In that unending Yet To Be, 

'Twill yield eternal joys. 

"Here longings bum with fervent fires 

For something more of life. 
While hallowed unfulfilled desire 

Oftimes engender strife. 

87 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

**Nay, God would not in mock'ry give 

A being without good, 
To wrestle, long, to bear and strive, 

To hunger without food. 

"These are the spirit's outward reach 

For something far beyond — 
Some answer to the call of soul 

In us, must yet be found. 

"The conscience, mind, and heart of man 

Gleam with a spark divine 
Of all supreme intelligence, 

That through their efforts shine. 

"And naught can fill the soul but God, 

He is its need supreme; 
Without His spirit, though we hve, 

Life is an idle dream. 

"When we shall break this fleshly bond 

And soar past regions dim, 
The budding prophecies of soul 

Will be fulfilled in Him. 

'"AH things are evanescent here 

Pertaining to this day; 
Yea, all environments of life 

Shall change and pass away. 



88 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"They only serve a greater end; 

Behind and through them all, 
Is one supreme, benignant Mind 

Who governs great and small. 

"Obedience to His sovereign will 
Brings peace and happiness; 

The working of His perfect law 
Is growth in righteousness. 

"But disobedience to the laws 

That guard man's Ufe and breath, 

Will cause him banishment from God 
Which is eternal death. 

"When earthly things are swept away, 

And silent and alone, 
The naked soul goes forth to God, 

And stands before His throne, 

"Whatever it hath done and been 

All crystalized will be, 
In character, that shall live on, 

And on eternally. 

"Else why this gift of personal choice? 

Why have I battles fought 
To gain the mastery of self, 

If I return to naught? 



89 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

"Or whence responsibility 

Or any moral right, 
Or progress, lifting life on high 

And flooding it with light? 

"If thought and interplay of force 

But point to higher reigns — 
The heritage of life beyond 

Which consciousness maintains. 

"Sure life must go forever on — 

Progressing — and for aye, 
Where possibilities supreme 

Unfolding will bear sway. 

"I bless you all — your children dear — 
Hark, hear the thrilling strain — 

Oh, many voices singing high — 
Their chanting comes again. 

"And one I see of stature grand 

And high and holy mien — 
It is the great Melchizedek 

That Abraham hath seen. 

"With shimm'ring robes and shining hair- 

His face warms as the sun. 
When from his chambers of the mom 

He smiles the Earth upon." 



90 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Then Judah last he blest, and spake 

In tones of tenderness ; 
"Thrice blessed thou whom all shall praise, 

For thou shalt wrongs redress. 

"Thy foes shall all before thee flee 

Thy brethren to thee bow, 
A lion's whelp thou truly art, 

With strength I thee endow. 

"From thee shall not the sceptre fall 

Nor shalt thou be o'ercome, 
Nor 'tween thy feet a judge depart 

Until Great Shiloh come. 

"To whom the gathering people be — 

His foal bound to the vine — 
His garments washed in grapes' red blood, 

His vesture dipped in wine. 

"My Leah, blessed wife, I come — 

Beloved ones — good-bye — 
With hand in yours while clasping hers — 

'Tis blessed thus to die." 

A sudden splendor lit his face 
Great joy-waves surged thereon, 

When he beheld the glory that 
From th' Unseen Holy shone. 



91 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Asunder snapped the mortal bands 

That held him prisoner long, 
With flashing seraphim he swept — 

Away in flame and song. 

Saith Judah, "Through the parting snreds 

Where dwelt his soul below, 
What radiance from th' Eternal streams 

And bums in after glow." 

Then wailing women came around, 

And mournfully they sang, 
Most touching were the solemn strains 

As harps with voices rang. 



9a 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL, 
WAIL. 

Lost is a living star of light 

That lit a crown of royal might, 

And dwelt in beauty, grace and sound. 

Where death and darkness reign profound. 

As thunder breaks or oak falls near 
Whose crashing echoes smite with fear — 
A tall oak on the mountain side, 
Thus went he down in princely pride. 

Gracious, and great, and grand of mien 
Was he — of kingly walk serene. 
His path all strewn with mercies done 
Gleams hke the waves at setting sun. 

He passed the unseen bound'ry drear, 
When blushing leafage burned to sere, 
Ere ruin's wint'ry winds had come. 
He heard the joyful call "Come Home." 



Amid the sorrow and the gloom, 
That swathes the silence of the tomb, 
Faith caught the glimmer of a wing 
And listening heard an angel sing. 



93 



BETH EL-EL-BET U EL. 

Then at the grave they chant a hymn, 
While faintly through the twilight dim 
The silv'ry echo sinks and swells, 
It chimes like far-oflf chiming beUs 



9+ 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 
HYMN. 

When God renews the heart of man 

No harm can reach his soul, 
'Twill bear Jehovah's life and seal, 

While countless ages roll. 

The tomb is not all midnight gloom, 

Rather a twilight way. 
And through its shadows lone, we pass 

To perfect life and day. 

Oh holy hopes — Oh joy supreme— 

Oh life beyond life's ken — 
Shut in forever with our God 

Amen, Amen, Amen. 

* * * * 

Now all the story has been told 
With pictured scenes and legend old; 
Strong living truths from it we gain. 
That strengthen life like grateful rain. 
As clarion blasts or bugles blown 
Wind through the hills a sweeter tone — 
The echo of a silver horn — 
Or distant chimes through fragrant mom, 
The voices of that far-off shore 
Shall blessed be forever more. 



95 



BETH EL-EL- BETH EL. 

There's somewhere in the Bible old 

A precious promise, sweetly told, 

That though thy sins appear to rise 

Like mountains toward the bending skies, 

And though they be of scarlet hue, 

Yet if thou hast repentance true, 

As snow beneath the shining sun 

Or white as wool shall they become. 

Yea, though they loom as mountains may, 

Yet shall they all be washed away. 

And canst thou not from sin arise 

And all the lower earthly ties — 

From wrong that rankles in the breast, 

And bars thee from each angel guest, 

And in some quiet, hallow'd spot 

Where God is, though thou knowest Him not^ 

Build thou an altar to His name 

In spite of faults or deeds of shame? 

Repentance be thy comer stone 

To build great truths on one by one; 

As thou each course buildst up around, 

May it indeed be holy ground. 

And prove a grateful Bethel even — 

A house of God and gate of heaven. 

When busy days have passed to rest 

Peaceful, behind the placid west, 

96 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

When^ voices hush with evening's calm 

Or melt and blend in sacred psalm — 

The moon appeareth just a rim, 

Pale hands of twilight soft and dim 

Withdraw the crimson veil afar 

That hides one throbbing golden stai 

When whispered prayer at even-tide 

The gates of God throw open wide, 

Through Faith we'll see the seraph choir 

In sparkling robes of jewel fire, 

That downward sweep from holy bowers 

To greet these striving souls of ours, 

Or poise on azure wings of light. 

To courage give ere taking flight. 

Of Bethel lay thy comer stone 
That offering may for sin atone. 
A glory ladder gleaming bright, 
That shall both God and thee unite, 
Will flame before thy raptured eyes; 
And angels from the bending skies 
Shall hover o'er thine altar there, 
To waft the incense of thy prayer. 



97 



BETHEL-EL-BETHEL. 

Then love will through each varied action run, 
From flame of mom till eve's departing sun, 
And will the mainspring of each purpose be 
To blessed Christ and all humanity. 

THE END. 



98 



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